Brett and Mickenzie: Grandma Marjorie Higgins Farnes

Family is so important to me and this post is for my children and my children's children to know where they came from and what an amazing great grandmother they have.

Brett's Grandma passed away on March 9th shortly after her 79th birthday. She was an amazing woman I learned so much from her. Grandma had polio at a young age and consequently suffered from health problems the rest of her life. She was told no many times in her life, but was a stubborn lady and never let that stop her. Despite others opinions she became a registered nurse, had 6 children and accomplished many other things. Since I've known her she has lived with a large amount of pain, but I honestly never heard her complain once. She was so strong and determined I hope I can exemplify those same qualities.

Grandma's funeral was harder that I thought it would be. In her last couple weeks she became very ill and we felt peace at her passing but despite that the funeral was still very emotional. It was hard to say goodbye to such an amazing person that touched so many lives. It was hard for me to see my husband and his family mourn for someone they loved so dearly. I'm grateful of the knowledge of forever families and that we will see her again. Many times Brett has expressed to me how grateful he is that is grandma was able to be in the temple with us when we were sealed. Brett was the first grandchild to be sealed in the temple and I know that was so important to her.

BRIGHAM CITY, UTAH-Our loving mother, grandmother, and sister Marjorie Higgins Farnes was called home in the early morning hours of March 9, 2011 in Brigham City, Utah.

Marjorie was born March 1, 1932 in Pocatello, Idaho to Lester and Emma Briggs Tolman Higgins. As a teenager she overcame significant physical challenges, due to polio. She graduated from Pocatello High School in 1950 and began her nurses’ training at the LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls. Marjorie completed her BS degree in nursing at the University of Utah in 1956. Marjorie worked for over 45 years as an OB/GYN nurse and house supervisor at Bannock Regional Medical Center.

On April 13, 1957, Marjorie was married to Farrell Duane Farnes in Pocatello. Their marriage was later solemnized on November 21, 1957 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this union 6 children were born; David, Mark, Ann, Karen, Jenny, and Becky. She enjoyed quilting, playing cards, Chinese checkers, and reading. Ice cream, genealogy, and family gatherings were her very favorites.

Marjorie was an active member of the Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints. As a young woman she taught herself to play piano and organ and played for many church services and funerals. She served faithfully in several positions including Relief Society President (twice) and gospel doctrine teacher.

Our mom was a kind, compassionate, and loving lady. She cared deeply for her family, friends, and co-workers never turning away someone in need.

Marjorie is survived by her Sons, David (Candice) Farnes, Brigham City, UT., Mark (Karen) Farnes, Chubbuck, ID., Daughters, Ann (Mike) Bringhurst, Karen (Tom) Wright, Jenny (Randy) Saint-Vincent, all of Pocatello, ID., Becky (Ted) Corrington , Chubbuck, Id., step-daughter Margaret (Bob) Goff, Gardner, MT. Also surviving are her siblings, Barbara Jones, Dale (Darlene) Higgins, Gail (Ed) Reese, Harold (Diana) Higgins, and Nancy (Tom) Huls. She is also survived by 32 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Duane and her parents.

Services for Marjorie will be held on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the LDS Alameda 2nd Ward Chapel located at the corner of Jefferson and Walnut. Visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 South 4th Avenue from 6-8 P.M. Sunday and at the church one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Brett had such a special bond with his grandma. Grandma did not like her photo taken and rarely showed her big grin we all candidly saw. We both treasure this picture from our wedding because Brett had a way of making her laugh and this pictures shows the true humorous grandma she was.

Brett and I at the viewing

Grandma had many fun things to inherit and remember her by. The Bringhursts got these two awesome jumpers. My thought is what a fashionable lady.

I got to try on her wedding dress which was so special. I couldn't believe I was wearing something so old that she wore on her wedding day. I thought the dress was so beautiful the picture doesn't do justice. I couldn't believe how modern something so old was.

Brett and I inherited these little beauties. Grandma collected salt and pepper shakers from the time she was married. There are some really cool and unique salt and pepper shakers in her collection is was very cool to go through them.